Hermana Laura Johnson: Barcelona Mission: (Zaragoza) Week-06 2012

HI,
SHOCKING NEWS ABOUT TRANSFERS. We all thought Hermana Stephenson would be transferred because she has been here the longest. But she is staying. Hermana Wilson went to Barcelona and Hermana Moulton went to Valencia to finish up her Mission there. This week has been a dramatic week to say the least and I am sorry my e-mail is so short, and a day late. I will make sure and fill you in on everything next week. They closed the other Sisters´ area and now Hermana Stephenson and I are in charge of both of the areas here in Zaragoza. An Elder from our District left as well. He is going to another area to be a District Leader. He is nervous to say the least. Our District is now...Hermana Stephenson and I, and our same District Leader Elder Galan from Andalucia and his comp., Elder Tirado from Utah, Elder Marcos and Elder Reeder (who is new) and the senior couple-Elder and Sister Church, also. It was SO sad saying goodbye to the other girls and now Hermana Stephenson and I have a LOT of work to do. We are going to be busy. I got to talk to my dear friend Hermana Jorgenson, who is doing well. Our other close friend Hermana Nelson (from the Madrid MTC) went home. I will probably be in Zaragoza for a long time.... It for sure has been a very busy week, trying to make this transition as smooth as possible. We will see how this week goes.

I am so grateful for the gospel and for this chance to be a Missionary. I know that I have a lot of influence in others´ lives and that I am a servant of the Lord. I am thankful to be out here. I love you all. I hope you´re doing well.

Love,
Hermana Johnson

Copied from my letter to the President.

Dear President,
This week was interesting with all of the changes that happened, but it went well. A little miracle was that we have been trying to get a hold of an investigator for a long time and she finally let us in!! We got to go to her work where she takes care of an older woman in her 90s and we sang songs to them and prayed with them. It was a short visit and a little thing that we did but it really touched her that we took time to do that. She can´t wait to see us again!

I'm lucky to have a calm companion, who is a good example that way.

In the past few weeks the most recent convert, John, took out his earrings, is preparing to receive the Priesthood, brought a friend to Church, and has been answering questions his friend has about the Book of Mormon! It is so exciting to see John so excited! He is doing well and we are happy to teach his friend, Pius, who has a strong desire to learn more.

We have plenty of things that we are repenting of. Little by little Hermana Stephenson and I are raising our standards. Now that the other Sisters are not here and that we have both our area and theirs, the bar has been raised and we are ready to get to work. We have a lot to work on individually, as a companionship, in our Ward, and in our area. This will be a tough transfer yet full of miracles. I know that we can make things happen for the better here. It is really all about obedience and relying on the Lord. We will be focusing most on these things this transfer and I am ready to get to work!

Love,
Hermana Johnson